The pandemic makes us feel exhausted, the gloom not only makes us lethargic and tired but also affects our mental health. By exercising regularly, we can improve our physical health and provide us with more energy to think positively and love life more.
For those who are not used to exercising, starting can be difficult. Starting is hard, maintaining is even harder. Here are some helpful tips from fitness experts to help you stay motivated.
Don't be shy
Joe Edmonds - a veteran PT realized that the big problem for people who want to start a fitness routine is the inferiority complex. They are afraid of the judgmental eyes of those who have been exercising for a long time, afraid of being judged on their body shape and age. In fact, this judgment is just a delusion of newcomers. Those who have been exercising for a long time do not look down on them, but on the contrary, they are very welcoming to new exercisers, they are even willing to help and instruct them very enthusiastically. As long as the exerciser overcomes the first 1-2 weeks of shyness, they will get used to the training environment and become more confident.
Find a personal source of inspiration
If you are a self-reliant person who doesn’t like to move much, it will be difficult for you to find motivation from the encouragement and examples of regular PTs. Instead, find inspiration from the most personal and familiar things.
Yoga master Zahir Akram shares with his students: “For me, the motivation to practice every day is not for my body but for my son. Remember that there are people who depend on you so you need to be healthy. If you don’t want to practice for yourself, practice for those who need you.”
Don't overdo it.
Many people who start exercising will burn out on difficult exercises hoping for quick results, but this is counterproductive and leads to frustration and giving up. London-based personal trainer Hannah Lewin advises beginners to fight temptation and self-delusion and start their exercise routine with gentle exercises, then gradually increase the intensity.
Do what you love
If you don’t like running and find yoga boring, it’s best to skip them. Starting with something you hate will only add to your stress and erode your motivation each day. Get used to exercises you don’t hate and gradually build up your confidence. Remember that you’re in it for the long term, not just for a short while, so choose activities you enjoy to maintain good habits.
Limit Gym Fantasies
There are many ways to exercise without going to the gym. It can be skateboarding in the park with friends or walking along the beach..., all of which help blood circulation better and are important to enjoy. There is no need to focus on heavy exercise like lifting weights at the gym or running 5 km. Just walking about 15 minutes a day is very good for your health, gradually helping your joints become more flexible and your body more supple. Just exercising regularly is considered exercise.
Measuring your workouts
Numbers can sometimes be a great motivator to keep up with your workout routine. Track your results to see how much progress you’ve made. There are plenty of workout apps that allow you to track your progress. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated.
Make the most of everything you can
There are now many apps and video channels that provide effective home workouts. Beginners can choose the exercises that are right for them to follow without having to go to the gym with complicated machines and equipment.
For those who want to invest in training, take advantage of the free courses for beginners at the gym. Don't be shy and miss the opportunity to be guided by reputable PTs. After these trial courses, you can decide whether to continue using the guidance service or not.
Be persistent but don't forget to be "kind" to yourself
Instead of booking multiple classes a week and then dropping out because you're too busy, set aside some free time to practice regularly.
“The more consistent you are, the more your motivation will last,” Hannah Lewin advises. Be realistic about how you can maintain this habit over the long term. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, but look back at your progress. If you’ve had a body you’re proud of in the past, use that as motivation to ignite your “fire” of movement.
